2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Kia Telluride

During our time in Texas, we experienced the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models, which featured refreshed front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. The Telluride offered new paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with fresh interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, boasting a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro model took it further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride's updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch glass piece, giving the SUV a modern touch. Other interior changes were subtle, with new colors, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional center console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, at first glance, resembled its ICE counterpart with rounded wheel wells, black side skirts, and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The LED light bar extended across the front fascia, adding a modern touch, while the rear featured hexagonal shapes and another light bar. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels adorned the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims sported 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims. Inside, the base model featured a black interior, while higher trims offered additional color choices. The Equinox EV's interior was comfortable, with the 2LT trim providing black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray options. The 2RS and 3RS trims offered sporty options like Adrenaline Red or black with red accents. The Equinox EV's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and the AutoSense power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical prowess with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The V6 engine provided ample motivation, with the X-Line averaging 24.1 mpg during our test drive, which included highway driving and some twisty roads. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 20.4 mpg, including off-roading with the drivetrain in Lock mode. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10mm, increasing ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and the traction control system was modified for improved off-road performance. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, the Telluride offered a smooth ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds, and the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. One-pedal driving was possible in all trims, with regenerative braking settings and drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The Equinox EV drove comfortably, with the single-motor FWD variant producing 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version offered a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes. On a Level 2 charger, it added up to 34 miles of range per hour. Our drive was part of a Chevrolet-hosted launch program, so we didn't experience charging firsthand, but we plan to test it on a longer press loan.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row seats were ventilated with SX Prestige trim, and a heated steering wheel was also included. The Telluride offered ample room, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system to keep drivers alert on long trips. The second-row seats were comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, adjustable armrests, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third-row seating area, which was more comfortable than some competitors. The Telluride provided generous storage space, with a smart power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors. The 2LT trim also included an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added a power-adjustable passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV's front seats were comfortable, with 39.15 inches of headroom in the front and 38.49 inches in the second row. It offered 41.65 inches of front legroom, surpassing some competitors. The AutoSense power liftgate provided access to 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place or 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. The Kia Access smartphone app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Over-the-air updates kept the infotainment system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, allowing drivers to communicate with rear passengers or mute rear speakers. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. The Full Display Mirror provided a video view of the rear, and the head-up display offered a larger, full-color 10-inch viewing area. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system notified drivers when traffic started moving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's technology was driver-focused, with a center stack angled toward the driver. The 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in the segment, was standard, along with an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, but standalone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were absent. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it wasn't safe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard, with Highway Drive Assist 1.5 providing semi-autonomous driving assistance. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 added Lane Change Assist, and SX trim included additional collision avoidance features. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, rear cross-traffic braking, blind-zone steering assist, Safety Alert Seat, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. GM’s Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program a key for speed alerts and volume limits, and it provided an in-vehicle report card. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim, along with enhanced automatic parking assist on higher trims.